FOOTBALL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXX, Issue 140, 15 June 1896, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP.

The match between the Nelson and Prince Albert Clubs, played at the Park on Saturday for the Senior Championship and the trophy presented by. Mr Joynt, was stubbornly contested, and the greatest interest was maintained throughout. The Nelson Club put a very strong team into the field, both the forward division and the backs being strengthened by the inclusion of several of last year's champions, C. Broad, who played at three-quarter, was a host in himself, and to his splendid place - kicking the .Nelsonians owe all their score in the match- under notice. Broad kicked a goal from a penalty and another— a beauty— from a mark. But he also made several good runs, whilst his excellent kicking into touch was most useful </> his team. The Prince Alberts had also a strong team, though they undoubtedly missed the services of H. Sigley, who was unable to play owing to the injury to his ankle, received during the match on the previous Saturday. About fifteen minutes after the kick-off the Alberts invaded their opponents' quarters, and obtuiued a free kick iv a" good position, but Clears shot at goal was smothered by the opposing forwards. They renewed the attack on the Nelson goal line, and, after a neat piece of passing between Mills, Hunt, Hall, and Nesbitt, the latter crossed the line near the corner. Clear failed to convert. Nelson then warmed up to their work, and, both teams playing well, the ball travelled from end to end of the field, and the game generally became interesting and lively. Broad and Bird were repeatedly prominent with clever kicks, and were ably supported with strong runs by Bonar and smart work in the loose by Robinson. Among the forwards Mabin, Bolton, Drummond, Atmore, and Hounsell were very lively. On the Alberts side Hall was always about with smar dodgy runs, and De Vere gained ground again and again by good kicking. Nesbitt made several strong runs too, and liis long kicks into touch were exceedingly useful. In tbe forwards Hogg. L. Sigley, Ecclesfield, Clear, &nd Frank were most conspicuous. Eventually Nelson was allowed a free kick, aud Broad kicked a pretty goal, and shortly afterwards nearly repeated the operation. At half-time the scores were equal, 3 points each. In the second spell both teams played all they knew, aud the playwas of a give and take character, until Bulton secured a mark, from which Broad again distinguished himself by kicking a splendid goal from an awkward attgle. Score— Nelson 7 points, Prince Alberts 3. Nothing daunted, the Alberte played up, and their plucky izarue resulted in Clear kicking a goal from a free kick, but this left Nelson still with one point to the good, From this out the Alberts had tbe best of the game, und kept Nelson very busy on the defensive. Just on the call of lime Mills very nearly scored for the Alberts, and the Nelson men had scarcely breathing time after the surprise attack by the little half-back, when the burly tbree-qnarter was down on them with an irresistible rush and scored a try. Thus, at the very last moment, tbe Prince Alberts snatched a victory, and the whistle sounded " no-side " with the score— Prince Albert 9 points, Nelson 7.

The Nelson Club bave protested against Nesbitt's last try on the ground that the referee (Mr Littlejobn) violated the rules in not declaring tbe game at an end before the try was scored, alleging that the ball was "held" or "out of play" when the referee declared that time was up, in accordance with Rule 3, section I.